The Ross Fire has ballooned to 50,000 acres in North Texas, prompting mandatory and recommended evacuations as firefighters battle fast-moving flames in Palo Pinto County.
The fire began the afternoon of Aug. 24 west of Palo Pinto, an unincorporated community about 80 miles west of Fort Worth, and spread rapidly through grass, brush and trees as hot, dry and windy conditions fueled the flames. The Texas A&M Forest Service reported the fire was 5% contained in its latest update.
This is a developing story. Check back here for live updates on the Ross Fire, including evacuation orders, fire growth, road closures, weather conditions and firefighting efforts.
Extreme heat, dry air keep wildfire danger elevated across North Texas
09:45 AM ET, August 25 2026, Brandi D. Addison
Dangerous heat will continue across North Texas on Aug. 25, with temperatures reaching as high as 109 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.
An Extreme Heat Warning and Heat Advisory are in effect across the region. Afternoon humidity is expected to fall to 15%-25%, while south winds of 10-15 mph will continue to create elevated fire weather conditions.
The National Weather Service is urging residents to stay cool and hydrated, limit time outdoors and avoid any activities that could spark a wildfire.
Dangerous heat will continue across North Texas on Tuesday, with temperatures reaching as high as 109 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.
5 am alert urged residents to evacuate as Texas fire spreads
09:35 AM ET, August 25 2026, Brandi D. Addison
A wildfire evacuation alert was issued around 5 a.m. Aug. 25 for an area southeast of Highway 4 and FM 2210 as the Ross Fire spread north and east toward southern Jack County.
The alert urged residents in the affected area to leave immediately and travel east on FM 2210. A shelter was available at the Twin Lakes Activity Center on Highway 59 in Jacksboro.
That alert has since been superseded by another alert and is no longer active, according to the emergency notification. Readers should follow the latest instructions from local officials as conditions change.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Ross Fire explodes to 50,000 acres in North Texas | Live updates